Counting every vote…

It feels timeless–only the clothes people are wearing defines the century we are in.

Two tables, fenced off with barriers, on either side of the room with four tellers seated round each.

People hanging over the barriers listening intently to the low mumbling of the tellers announcing each vote.

Bardou, Bardou, Bardou, Gros, Bardou, Gro and on and on…

The atmosphere is charged, expectant.

People greeting each other with brief handshakes, a quick double kiss. Few conversations ensue.

The incumbent Mayor, Monsieur Gros, the only person in the room wearing a suit, paces back and forth between the tables, occasionally disappearing into a side room with a pile of blue envelopes. Displacement activity–something to do while he waits with the rest of us for the tellers to complete their task.

Bardou, Bardou, Gros…

It is surprising how long it takes to count just over a thousand votes.

I’m unaware that a third count has happened at the school below the village and the result has filtered back up to the crowd gathered outside the hall.

I am feeling increasingly pessimistic and the expression on M Gros’ face does nothing to reassure me.

It’s hot in the room–fetid even.

As I turn to open a window the woman standing next to me shakes her head and I remain rooted to the spot not daring to break the tension and pull the focus–if only briefly–my way.

I ask her if she can point out M Bardou to me.

His family tomb is in the cemetery adjacent to the house and I know he is the chef/owner of a restaurant just up the road but I have never met him.

“There, with his back to the door” she says, pointing out a tall man wearing spectacles huddled by the exit–looking pale and nervous.

I am not sure what I find most interesting — the 92% turnout or the fact that the only other comment so far is from a person from a different part of the same town where I am from in New York. (Part of Hauppauge is in Smithtown Township; originally, I am from Smithtown.)

I found your account of this delightful. Your description of the rules for voting sound very arcane, and I noticed something interesting. The citizens were all neatly dressed or so it seemed. another sign of respect for the process or is this always the case? Here in the states, in a small town, clothing is relentlessly casual. I too would vote for a book on your life in Provence.

Interesting that 92% turn out. Oddly enough, I always think this means that things are not going well. Voter turnout generally plummets when things are fine. Of course, I know nothing about your area, so I could be totally wrong. But my friend, Felix, who lives in Munich, believes it’s true of Germany.

92%! Wow, no voter apathy there! Very interesting account of voting in France. What is the voter turnout secret? Democrats need to know!
I too would love a book from you on your lives in France! Love your writing, recipes and living the life. “The Making of Poldark” was delightful reading!
Nan Miller, Annapolis, Md

92% turn out is amazing, I don’t think that has ever happened in my lifetime here in the USA. Thank you for sharing this detailed account of your election results in your town/village, I was on the edge of my seat. Personally I don’t think that one party, left or right, continually winning and running the show is good, I think it’s politically healthy to shake things up and have a change. I hope your new Mayor does some great things for Lautrec.

So sorry it sounds like a somber mood in your circle…It’s so frustrating when the vote doesn’t go your way. Worse yet when the vote is 50/50 and nothing gets done at all (like our Congress)!!!
Interestingly enough, I just started teaching a unit on the causes of the Revolutionary War. Later this week, the kids will pay their taxes to the king–who will sit in a place of honor, of course!–and Parliament will levy taxes on sneakers, jeans, etc. Since the “colonists” will be paying their taxes in M&Ms, I think they’ll get riled up quickly and discover the meaning of “taxation without representation.” Should be fun! (And don’t worry, I don’t overdo the candy!)
PS: Made Ismail’s lentil soup yesterday–was quite a hit! Not much left for lunch today!!
Cheers & extra hugs for today….

In Australia, voting is compulsory in all Local Government, State and Federal(National) elections. Folks can be fined if they don’t vote, so there is usually a big turn out. However, once your name has been cross off the roll, you can vote informal if you don’t like any of the candidates.